Hamas reports that attackers entered the home of Kamil Ranaja (Nizar Abu Mujhad ) in Syria and murdered the senior official. A Hamas official speaking from Lebanon pointed a finger of blame at the Mossad Intelligence Agency.

In Jerusalem, Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated he knows nothing about such an operation, adding the victim was not among the world’s righteous people so he is not shedding any tears.

Media reports state that senior Hamas officials including Khaled Meshal will be attending the funeral in Jordan.

The Arab media reports simply state the Hamas commander was killed in his home, but no details of the assassin(s) or the means used were mentioned.

PA (Palestinian Authority) news reports state that Ranaja replaced Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, 50, who was murdered in the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai. This too was attributed to the Mossad but officials in Israel denied involvement. The reports state that he was involved in arms smuggling into Gaza.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)